Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Refereeing Error Sparks Post-Match Controversy
Barcelonaโs 2-1 win over Real Sociedad was overshadowed by heated debate after Jules Koundรฉโs equaliser, which stemmed from a disputed corner kick. The goal, scored at a pivotal stage of the match, brought Barรงa level at 1-1 before they went on to secure all three points.
Real Sociedad immediately protested the refereeโs decision to award the corner, insisting it had been wrongly given. Questions quickly mounted over whether referee Alejandro Hernรกndez had made the correct call.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Sociedad goalkeeper รlex Remiro later revealed a private conversation with Hernรกndez after the final whistle. According to Remiro, the referee admitted his error in awarding the corner that led directly to the goal. โI complained about the decision, and we spoke with the referee, who confirmed he made a mistake,โ Remiro told reporters.
Still, the goalkeeper also acknowledged his teamโs defensive lapse during the play: โYes, it was the wrong corner, but the defense was poor. We must fix these mistakes.โ
The absence of VAR intervention was another talking point. Remiro clarified why the video assistant referee could not get involved, noting that under current rules, such incidents fall outside its remit. โItโs unfortunate that it happened this way, but VAR canโt intervene hereโotherwise, it would create chaos,โ he explained.
The incident has reignited debate about the influence of officiating errors in crucial matches, raising the question: did this mistake play a decisive role in shaping the outcome?
